A recent study has found that just five minutes of light exercise each day could significantly reduce the risk of dementia. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered that older adults who engage in a small amount of physical activity, like 35 minutes of moderate exercise each week, were 41% less likely to develop dementia over four years.

The study suggests that increased physical activity benefits everyone, even those at high risk for health problems. More exercise leads to even lower risks, with dementia rates dropping up to 69% for those who work out more than 140 minutes weekly. This research supports the idea that some physical activity is better than none, particularly valuable for older adults who might find longer or more intense workouts challenging.

These findings encourage incorporating any amount of exercise into daily routines, especially for older adults. Engaging in light activities can help keep the brain healthy and reduce the likelihood of dementia, emphasizing that even minimal exercise is beneficial for maintaining mental health as we age.

SOURCE:

Fox News, February 23, 2025